Miniature Forests of Cape Horn

In the humid forests of Cape Horn, a single tree can host more than 100 species of little epiphyte plants. The floor of the forest and the rocks are also covered by numerous species of liverworts, mosses, and lichens. The decision to stop at a tree or rock and explore these “miniature forests” generates an authentic ecotourism experience. In a small area we can spend several minutes or hours with a magnifying glass or camera discovering the colors, shapes, and textures of the most diverse organisms of Cape Horn. This guidebook enhances exploration by providing information to understand the architecture, life cycles, and identification of taxonomic groups of the organisms that form them. For example, when viewing a yellow orange organism, the full color pictures and text in the guidebook illustrate that what you are viewing on the inter-tidal rocks is a crustose lichen, with a well-defined circular structure belonging to the genus Caloplaca that enjoys a broad distribution in inter-tidal zones of Arctic and Antarctic areas. The authors of this guidebook also provide a novel twist on other, more traditional field guides to bryophytes and lichens by introducing the innovative, sustainable tourism activity of “ecotourism with a hand lens.” They present a strong natural history narrative and an ecological and ethical orientation for the appreciation of wonders of the miniature forests of Cape Horn.

5. Moss Species / Especies de Musgos

Characters for field identification: Plants grow horizontally and form highly branched mats,
usually with many sporophytes. The branches are spreading and conspicuously pointed. The
leaves are broad and spoon-shaped, with hollow blades and rounded apices....

6. Liverwort Species / Especies de Hepáticas

Characters for field identification: These rich brown to red plants are abundantly branched and their
outline resembles that of a fern frond. Their leaves are divided into two or more parts: the main lobe is
deeply incised with each half lined...

7. Hornwort Species / Especies de Antocerotes

Characters for field identification: The bright green thallus of N. endiviifolius is made up of
flattened, broad strap-like lobes, thicker and longer than those of N. fuegiensis; the wavy margins
of the thallus are lined with distinctive and abundant frills...

We invite you to go through the trail of the
Miniature Forests of Cape Horn where you will
find metal signs in the shape of magnifying
glasses that call your attention to some of the
organisms and microhabitats...

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